Charlotte FC have called Tim Ream a “man bun-clad pillar” of the US men’s national team after signing the 36-year-old defender from Fulham on a two-year deal with an optional extra year.
Centre-back Ream, who has moved on a free transfer, earned the first of his 61 caps in 2010 and started all four of the USA’s matches at the 2022 Fifa World Cup, as well as featuring at the 2024 Copa America.
“Tim has been a rock at the back for Fulham for the last decade and has proven himself as one of the best central defenders the United States has ever produced,” Charlotte general manager Zoran Krneta said.
“His Premier League and World Cup credentials speak for themselves and he’s been ever-present in big moments for club and country.
“He comes to us in good form and upgrades an already-excellent defence as we prepare for the final stretch of the season to qualify for the play-offs.”
A @FulhamFC legend and a man bun-clad pillar of the @USMNT.
It’s 𝐓𝐈𝐌 𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 in the Queen City! 👑 pic.twitter.com/Sxf5TBAS4C
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) August 7, 2024
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Ream ‘leader’ for Charlotte
“Tim is the type of player who is hungry for trophies and he can help us push for our first one,” added Krneta. “He is a leader on the pitch and in the locker room and will be an invaluable mentor to our younger players.”
Ream turned professional when he signed for New York Red Bulls in 2010, making 58 appearances before joining Bolton – then a Premier League team on the brink of relegation – in 2012.
Bolton named Ream their player of the year in 2014 and 2015 – the year when he left Fulham, where he would repeat the trick while helping the Cottagers win promotion to the Premier League in 2018.
Living the American d𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑴 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/YGXrMv7oEM
— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) August 7, 2024
Ream wants MLS trophy
More promotions from the second tier followed in 2020 and 2022, and Ream also won the Concacaf Nations League with his country in 2020 and 2024.
“In all of my conversations with the people around the club, it was clear this organisation and city were the right places for my family and I to continue our journey,” said Ream.
“I’m here to win and I’m looking forward to getting to know the team as we prepare for a key stretch of matches that will propel us toward the play-offs as we fight for our first trophy.”
Former Premier League manager Dean Smith has been in charge at the Eastern Conference club since December 2023. Smith managed Leicester City, Norwich City and Aston Villa in the top flight, having made his name at Brentford and Walsall.
